Venturing
Event Draws 350 Participants to Beaumont
Have you ever heard
of Venturing? Thanks to people like Trevor Vogan, you will soon if you haven’t
already.
ST. LOUIS, Mo.
- When the
sun went down Friday evening, the Greater St. Louis Area Council (GSLAC) put
the finishing touches on its council-wide event called the Hunger Games last
weekend, a game of capture the flag in the dark. The event, completely free of
charge for high school boys and girls, was used as a way to introduce new youth
to the exciting world of Venturing and its fun possibilities.
The inaugural game was a huge success as it drew around
350 participants to Beaumont Scout Reservation Friday night. Attendees were
divided into more than a dozen teams, with two groups at a time playing capture
the flag in the 200-yard long Shippey Field. A bonfire and hot chocolate helped
keep individuals warm in between games.
If Friday was any indication, then Venturing appears
ready to take off within GSLAC. An increase in the program’s popularity would
mean Gravois Trail Venturing Officer Association President Trevor Vogan will
likely have his hands full in his new role.
“As the district president, I’m basically one of the
main people who help plan district activities for the year,” said Vogan, a
junior at St. John Vianney High School. “There is also the admissions vice
president, communications vice president and program vice president who help me
and have their own specified areas. I help with all of them. I also have the
ability to form committees to work on projects and activities.”
One particular event that Vogan is especially
excited for is an upcoming campout scheduled for the spring.
“This year we’re planning for a spring camping trip
out at Beaumont where we’ll have a cookout and use the horses,” explained
Vogan, who lists camping as one of his favorite activities. “That should be a
lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to that.”
Vogan first joined pack 169 in elementary school
after seeing a boy talk while attending Assumption Catholic School. Since
becoming a VOA president, Vogan has been able to see how the Boy Scouts
prepared him for such an important role.
“The Boy Scouts helped me learn how to manage my
time so I could get everything done and also to use my resources,” Vogan said.
“I think (the Boy Scouts) help teach leadership and other skills and abilities
that can be used later in life. It teaches you not to be afraid to ask for
help. It also teaches new skills that you can use towards different careers.”
For now, Vogan will use those skills to help Venturing
continue to grow in the Gravois Trail District, as well as the St. Louis area.
